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In today’s episode, I’m talking with Uma Viswanathan, cofounder of True Worth, about your money story and how it shapes the way you spend, save, and build wealth, especially if you’re a first generation wealth builder. We dig into how family, culture, and stress can create money habits that don’t match the life you want, and how shame can keep you stuck even when you’re doing “all the right things.” Uma shares a simple tool she calls the power of the pause so you can notice your triggers before you buy, people please, or say yes out of guilt, and then choose a move that fits your real values.

About our guest:
Uma Viswanathan is the co-founder of TruWorth, where she helps people, especially women and first-generation wealth builders, rewrite the money stories that no longer serve them. Her work sits at the intersection of identity, culture, and finance, shaped by her own experience navigating those tensions.

Before launching TruWorth, Uma led more than $200 million in mission-driven investments through major foundations and collaboratives focused on racial equity, healing, and systems change. She brings two decades of experience in psychology, philanthropy, and narrative strategy to help people move out of shame and into clarity, so they can build a life that feels aligned and abundant.

https://www.truworthshift.com/

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In today's episode, I talk with Bri Franklin, a money coach who helps people pick a smart path after high school. We talk about college costs and student loans, and what to ask before you sign for debt. Bri shares ways to cut student loan debt, like help money, scholarships, a lower cost school, job skills, or a trade. We also talk about loan offers that sound good but can hurt you later. If you or your kid is thinking about college and student loans, this talk will help.

About our guest:
Bri is a financial wellness expert and socioeconomic justice crusader redefining wealth building for the next generation.

Having spent over 10 years personally experiencing the challenges of severe debt constraint, her leadership is rooted in advocacy and empowerment for those currently suffering and who stand to in the future.

Known for her bold voice and countercultural approaches initially demonstrated through her time as Co-Founder, President & CEO of nationally-acclaimed nonprofit, The Prosp(a)rity Project (2020-2024), Bri is continuing her service through financial wellness education enterprise, UnDEBTfeated.

Her accolades include membership in Debra Lee’s Leading Women Defined (LWD) organization and Chime’s 2024 Changemakers cohort, earning SXSW’s 2023 Innovation Award for Social Impact and being named the Visionary Women Foundation’s 2023 Rising Visionary.

UnDEBTfeated Site

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In today's episode, we are joined by Miles Spencer, the founder of Reflekta.ai, to talk about a new way to save your family stories with AI. Miles shares how AI can take your photos, memories, and values and turn them into a voice you can talk to, even if the person is no longer here. We also talk about how Reflekta.ai keeps things safe by using a family “keeper” who controls what gets added, and why privacy matters so this stays about real memories and not fake videos.

About our guest:
Miles Spencer is currently CEO and a founder of Reflekta.ai, a Soul Tech company that bridges generations through fully interactive digital legacies. A multi-exit entrepreneur, investor, and storyteller, he is the author of the Amazon bestseller A Line in the Sand, Founder of Kayak for a Cause and former co-host of PBS’s MoneyHunt. Miles has spent his career at the intersection of media, technology, and adventure and human-centered narrative. With Reflekta, he is pioneering a new way for families to preserve voice, memory, and values… turning stories into dynamic, spontaneous connections that endure across lifetimes.

https://reflekta.ai/

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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In today's classic episode, we are joined by Regina McCann Hess, a financial expert who helps women navigate their finances, especially during divorce. Regina shares her journey from being a critical care nurse to a financial advisor and how she found her niche in helping women manage their money. We discuss the unique financial challenges women face, like earning less than men and stepping out of the workforce for caregiving. Regina explains how divorce, although tough, can be an opportunity for a fresh start. We also dive into the importance of teaching kids about investing and the power of being part of financial conversations. Tune in to learn how to empower yourself financially, whether single, married, or going through a divorce.

Quick note: this episode first aired in 2024. A couple stats have shifted depending on data source, but the overall themes and advice are still very relevant

About our guest:
Regina McCann Hess is a CFP, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Author of "Super Woman Wealth: How To Become Your Own Financial Hero." With more than two decades of financial planning experience behind her, Regina has dedicated her career to empowering professional women to take an active role in their finances - nurturing their money, protecting their wealth and taking control of their financial future. Understanding women's unique relationships with money, Regina offers practical advice on becoming more comfortable with financial planning and management. As a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® professional, Regina works together with clients and attorneys to guide them through the financial complexities of the divorce process aiming to create a stable economic future and preventing long-term regret with financial decisions made during the divorce process.

A media favorite, Regina has been featured on The Schwab Network, Forbes New Money, Good Day DC, Fox 29 Philadelphia, MindBodyGreen, Yahoo! Finance and more! 

Guest links:

• Forge Wealth Management
• Super Woman Wealth: How to Become Your Own Financial Hero

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Darla Bishop from Finances to talk about how families can build a better relationship with money and raise kids who are money smart. We share simple ways to teach kids money skills in real life, like what to do when they want something at the store, how small jobs and a piggy bank can help, and how to talk about money without stress or shame. We also discuss why credit and money habits can affect your future and even your health, and how you can start making small changes today.

About our guest:
Dr. Darla is known the”FinanSis” founder of Finansis LLC. She founded the company in order to use her innate gifts (humor, intelligence, and tough love) to help families and communities improve their relationship with money and set their children up to be financially responsible for life. Dr. Darla is all too aware of the correlation between low credit scores and short lifespan, her mission is to change that narrative.

https://howtoaffordeverything.com/product/madelines-money-adventure/
Promo code NASEEMA gets a 10% off and free shipping on all orders!

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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In this classic episode, I talk with Michelle about what workers can do when the rules at work feel unfair, like confusing job contracts, “no compete” rules, and changes that can affect pay and overtime. We break down what these ideas mean in simple words, how to protect yourself, and what to watch for before you sign anything. We also talk about practical ways to earn more money, like picking up side work, asking for raises, and learning skills that make you more valuable.

About our guest:
Michelle Jackson is the founder of Creators Getting Paid a resource designed to help mission driven online brand builders find, strategize and grow at least one recurring income stream no matter how small.

Check Michelle's website here - https://creatorsgettingpaid.com
Creators Getting Paid Resource: https://michelleismoneyhungry.substack.com/

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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In today's classic episode, I sit down with Zach Whelchel to talk about why budgeting can feel so hard and how to make it way simpler. Zach shares how a zero based budget works, why giving every dollar a job can lower your stress, and how to build a plan that still includes fun, goals, and real life surprises. We also talk about what it’s like to get help from a budget coach, how accountability can keep you on track, and small steps you can take today if you’re tired of feeling behind on money.

About our guest:
Zach is a software developer, entrepreneur, husband, and father to two young boys. Zach has always been different when it comes to money. In elementary school his friends built their own economic system in the backyard called Nutopia. In college he made over $1,000 recycling beer cups at a music festival to fund his study abroad. As an entrepreneur his passion is to help others be intentional with their finances so they can build a life that aligns with their values. Recently, he founded MyBudgetCoach to help the world fall in love with budgeting.

Start your budget over at MyBudgetCoach here.

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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In today's episode, I talk with Dr. Aleksandra Gajer about why so many of us feel tired, stressed, and “off,” even when we’re trying to do all the right things. We break down what’s really happening with hormones, metabolism, and aging in a simple way, including why perimenopause can sneak up on you and why your doctor might not always connect the dots. We also share practical tips you can use right away, like how to build better meals, get enough protein, sleep better, manage stress, and support your body without extreme diets or complicated routines.

About our guest:
Dr. Aleksandra Gajer is a board-certified physician and visionary leader on a mission to revolutionize medicine by optimizing human physiology to achieve true health and well-being. A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine with Alpha Omega Alpha honors, she founded The Gajer Practice to transform how we approach health—combining cutting-edge science with deeply personalized care that's missing in today's healthcare system.

The Gajer Practice

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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In this classic episode, I’m walking you through a simple “just in case” money checklist that most of us avoid until it’s too late—and it’s perfect for a little financial spring cleaning right after the New Year. We talk about wills and trusts, updating your beneficiaries on things like life insurance and retirement accounts, and why you should keep a clear list of your bills, bank accounts, and key documents so your family isn’t stuck guessing. We also touch on planning for kids and college savings, plus a few real-life lessons that can save you stress and money

Updates and clarifications:

• The 529 must generally be open at least 15 years. 
• Lifetime cap is $35,000, but it’s not necessarily “one time”—it’s limited by the annual Roth IRA contribution limit. 
• The rollover goes to the beneficiary’s Roth IRA
• 529 distributions for student loan repayment are limited to $10,000 lifetime per individual
• Feedback on "not the best time to sell right now" was made in 2023. Avoid making sell decisions based on short-term headlines and stick to your long-term plan.

About our expert:
Acquania is a financial coach, freelance writer, and independent life insurance producer with LifeTyme Financial Group, LLC. She is committed to helping people find financial freedom and build wealth. As a financial coach, she equips her clients with "outside the box" finance tips, debt payment plans, retirement planning, and more. With her advice clients are able to meet and exceed their financial and personal goals.

Through her finance blog and podcast, The Purpose of Money, she shows women how to invest and save more so they can live a more fulfilling and prosperous life.

Acquania's passion for personal finance and investing began when she was in high school and her father gave her a copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. At 16 years old, Acquania opened a Roth Individual Retirement Account and has been seeking financial independence and early retirement (FIRE) ever since.

The Purpose of Money
More of Acquania Escarne

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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Did you know that it was possible to tap into your permanent life insurance policy to buy real estate? Our Life Insurance Expert Acquania Escarne breaks down how she has been able to leverage her life insurance policies to purchase rental properties, syndications and even hotels! She shares how you can too and for far less money than you think.

About our expert:
Acquania is a financial coach, freelance writer, and independent life insurance producer with LifeTyme Financial Group, LLC. She is committed to helping people find financial freedom and build wealth. As a financial coach, she equips her clients with "outside the box" finance tips, debt payment plans, retirement planning, and more. With her advice clients are able to meet and exceed their financial and personal goals.

Through her finance blog and podcast, The Purpose of Money, she shows women how to invest and save more so they can live a more fulfilling and prosperous life.

Acquania's passion for personal finance and investing began when she was in high school and her father gave her a copy of Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. At 16 years old, Acquania opened a Roth Individual Retirement Account and has been seeking financial independence and early retirement (FIRE) ever since.

The Purpose of Money
More of Acquania Escarne

Support the show

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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In today's episode, I’m joined by tax expert Hannah Cole from Sunlight Tax to make self employed taxes feel way less scary and way more doable, so you can stop missing write offs and stop overpaying. We walk through simple end of year moves like tax credits that are expiring soon, plus how an HSA can be a powerful savings tool and how SEP IRA vs solo 401k rules work as your business grows (including why an S corp change can affect your setup). Then we get into one of my favorite topics, how a Roth IRA for your kid can work when they have real earned income, and what “reasonable pay” really means so you stay on the right side of the IRS

About our guest:
Hannah Cole is a tax expert who specializes in working with self-employed people, especially creative and mission-driven ones. A long-time working artist herself, she’s helped tens of thousands of self-employed people skill up with accessible tax and money education, through her Money Bootcamp program, tax workshops from Florida to Alaska, and on the Sunlight Tax podcast. Her forthcoming book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You’re Self-Employed, is the most funny and empowering tax guide you’ll ever read. Hannah is the founder of Sunlight Tax.

Sunlight Tax

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Grab your spot in my free Financial CPR class and learn the simple steps I used to go from paycheck to paycheck to my first million.

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Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here

Join the Financially Intentional Community

Oh and please subscribe and leave a review on whatever app you're using to stream this podcast.

Get my book Smart Money