Welcome to the Nurses on Fire Podcast with Naseema McElroy! This is a weekly podcast for Nurses who are on the path of or are interested in Financial Independence. We believe that you have all the tools to improve your finances because you and your family deserve it. Our hope is that by listening to this podcast, your circle of influence is enhanced. As you are the average of the people you surround yourself with, you'll be elevated in regards to your finances.
In today's episode, I am talking with Ed Vargo, who helps women take charge of their money. Ed has a powerful story about growing up in a tough situation and watching his mom struggle because she didn’t have the right financial tools. Now, as a financial advisor, he teaches women how to make smart money decisions and avoid common mistakes. We chat about why women think differently about money, how to align spending with personal values, and why financial education is so important.
About our guest
Ed Vargo is the co-founder and President of Burning River Advisory Group and enlightenHer, a community devoted to money mentorship for women. With more than 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, Ed strives to help women develop a long-term financial plan for every stage of life including retirement planning, college planning, and transitioning successfully in cases of death and divorce.
Ed’s passion for helping women with their finances stems from his family life. His mother, an immigrant from South Korea, had four children with his father. After getting a divorce, she lost custody of her children due to inability to support her family financially. Her unfortunate lack of financial literacy fueled Ed’s passion to help women become empowered so that they can move through divorce confidently and without fear of losing their home or children.
enlightenHer Website
enlightenHer Instagram
Freebies by Ed Vargo:
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In today's episode, I talk with Dr. Lorre Laws, an amazing nurse, teacher, and healer. Dr. Lorre shares how stress and trauma affect our bodies and minds, and why burnout isn’t the full story. She explains how we can heal using simple steps like being aware of our feelings, calming our bodies, and finding balance in our lives. We also talk about how trauma can affect how we think about money and our jobs.
About our guest
Dr. Lorre Laws, or "Dr. Lorre," is an author, nurse scientist, and trauma-burnout expert known for her integrative approach to healing. In her book, Nursing Our Healer's Heart: A Recovery Guide for Nurse Trauma & Burnout, she explores the systemic challenges faced by healthcare professionals, offering practical, research-based tools like her "Your Innate Care Plan" for addressing trauma and burnout. Her work emphasizes the connection between healing and financial sovereignty, helping professionals reclaim their power in every aspect of life.
As the founder of The Haelan Academy, a nonprofit providing educational and healing services to health professionals, and the host of the Nurse Trauma Healing podcast, Dr. Lorre shines a light on healthcare system inadequacies while empowering others with tools for resilience and well-being.
Nursing Our Healer's Heart by Dr. Lorre Laws
Dr. Lorre Laws Website
Dr. Lorre Laws Podcast
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In today's episode, Lauryn Williams shares her incredible journey from track and field to bobsled, becoming the first American woman to win medals in both Summer and Winter Olympics. She opens up about the financial mistakes she made as a young athlete, how she turned things around, and why she’s passionate about helping others with their finances. Lauryn also talks about her retreats in Colombia, where she empowers people to take control of their money while enjoying a unique travel experience.
About our guest:
Lauryn Williams, a University of Miami alum, is a thought leader, speaker, and accomplished businesswoman bridging the gap between sports and finance. A 4x Olympian and 3x Olympic medalist, she made history as the first American woman to earn medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, winning silver in the 100m Dash in 2004, gold in the 4x100m relay in 2012, and silver in the two-woman bobsled in 2014. After retiring from sports, Lauryn founded Worth Winning, a virtual fee-only financial planning firm dedicated to helping millennials and professional athletes navigate their finances. She authored The Oval Office: A Four-Time Olympian's Guide to Professional Track and Field, combining her expertise in sports and finance, and hosts the biweekly financial literacy podcast Worth Listening. As a member of the CNBC Advisor Council and a regular contributor to news outlets, Lauryn has been named one of Investopedia's Top 100 Advisors multiple times and is now making strides in venture capital. Despite her many roles, Lauryn prioritizes giving back by volunteering with USA Track and Field junior athletes and serving on the World Anti-Doping Agency finance committee. Currently residing in Medellín, Colombia, she is driven by a mission to positively impact as many lives as possible.
Student Loan Planner
More about Lauryn Williams
Retreats at Worth Winning
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In today's episode, I talk with Danny Barnes, a finance enthusiast blending his military experience with a passion for personal finance. Danny shares how a military finance class sparked his interest in investing and financial literacy. He talks about his debt payoff journey, creating a system for his family’s finances, and teaching his kids about money. Learn how Danny turned his life lessons into a platform to inspire others on their journey to financial freedom.
About our guest
Danny Barnes is a finance enthusiast and aspiring financial advisor, passionate about helping individuals improve their financial literacy. With a background in cybersecurity, Danny is blending this skill with personal finance to educate others in protecting their finances from fraud. Currently pursuing a master's degree in Finance, he is working on establishing a niche in the personal finance space.
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In today's episode, I talk with Jordan Grumet about his new book, The Purpose Code, and how purpose plays a huge role in our happiness and health. We explore why some people feel stressed when searching for purpose, how to find meaning in everyday life, and the difference between big goals and small daily joys. Jordan shares lessons from his work as a hospice doctor and offers practical steps to bring more joy and purpose into your life today.
About our guest:
Jordan Grumet was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1973. His interest in becoming a doctor was ignited when his father, an oncologist, died unexpectedly in the prime of life. This profound loss not only inspired him to practice medicine, it has given him a unique perspective as a financial expert, challenging him to think deeply and critically about concepts like wealth, abundance, and financial independence.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Jordan received his medical degree from Northwestern University, and began practicing Internal Medicine in Northbrook, Illinois. He currently is an associate medical director at Journeycare Hospice.
After years of blogging about financial independence and wellness, Jordan launched the Earn & Invest podcast in 2018. In 2019 he received the Plutus Award for Best New Personal Finance Podcast and was nominated in 2020 and 2021 for Best Personal Finance Podcast of the year. His book, Taking Stock: A Hospice Doctor’s Advice on Financial Independence, Building Wealth, and Living a Regret-Free Life was published by Ulysses Press in August 2022.
Jordan Grumet's Site
The Purpose Code, by Jordan Grumet in Amazon
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In today's episode, I chat with Lauryn Williams, a financial expert and Olympian, about creating a plan to manage your student loans and take control of your money. Student loans can feel overwhelming, but they don't have to hold you back. Lauryn shares insights into federal repayment options, the importance of building a comprehensive financial plan, and why shame shouldn’t stop you from taking action. Together, we discuss strategies that can save you thousands and put you on the path to financial freedom. Let’s get your money right, starting today!
About our guest:
Lauryn Williams, a University of Miami alum, is a thought leader, speaker, and accomplished businesswoman bridging the gap between sports and finance. A 4x Olympian and 3x Olympic medalist, she made history as the first American woman to earn medals in both the Summer and Winter Olympics, winning silver in the 100m Dash in 2004, gold in the 4x100m relay in 2012, and silver in the two-woman bobsled in 2014. After retiring from sports, Lauryn founded Worth Winning, a virtual fee-only financial planning firm dedicated to helping millennials and professional athletes navigate their finances. She authored The Oval Office: A Four-Time Olympian's Guide to Professional Track and Field, combining her expertise in sports and finance, and hosts the biweekly financial literacy podcast Worth Listening. As a member of the CNBC Advisor Council and a regular contributor to news outlets, Lauryn has been named one of Investopedia's Top 100 Advisors multiple times and is now making strides in venture capital. Despite her many roles, Lauryn prioritizes giving back by volunteering with USA Track and Field junior athletes and serving on the World Anti-Doping Agency finance committee. Currently residing in Medellín, Colombia, she is driven by a mission to positively impact as many lives as possible.
Student Loan Planner
More about Lauryn Williams
Retreats at Worth Winning
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Get my book Smart Money
In today's episode, we talk to Michael Russell, who turned financial failure into a story of hope and resilience. Michael shares how he lost everything—his properties, business, and even his personal relationships—during the financial crisis. But that wasn’t the end of his story. Today, Michael runs a nonprofit that helps people avoid foreclosure and navigate financial hardship.
About our guest:
Michael Russell is the founder of Hope 4 Hardship and the President of Century 21 Signature Properties, one of the original CENTURY 21 franchises in the U.S. Once at the helm of a successful family real estate business, Michael’s excessive lifestyle led to financial ruin, including bankruptcies, foreclosures, and personal struggles. After nearly a decade of rebuilding, he transformed his life, achieving a near-perfect credit rating, redefining his career in real estate sales and consulting, and mending strained relationships. Today, Michael uses his hard-earned wisdom to help others navigate financial distress, avoid foreclosure, and remain in their homes.
Through his nonprofit, Michael offers guidance to individuals facing similar challenges, with a mission to provide solutions without financial gain, relying solely on trust and a handshake. His expertise as a Certified Distressed Property Expert and Certified Short Sales and Foreclosures Resource has enabled him to support countless families in avoiding foreclosure or selling properties when necessary. With a focus on accountability and action, Michael has made it his purpose to pay it forward, turning his past struggles into a source of hope and change for others.
Hope 4 Hardship Site
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In today's episode, I talk to Sesealy Owens, a mom, entrepreneur, and trailblazer who turned a tough pandemic experience into an amazing success story. Sesealy shares how she and her husband learned to buy existing businesses instead of starting from scratch, giving them cash flow and stability right away. She explains what it takes to buy a business, why now is the best time to look into this space, and how you can make it happen too.
About our guest
Sesealy Owens is the Owner and Co-CEO of Decatur Montessori School, an AMI-certified school serving children from six weeks to six years old. With a background in sales and marketing and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Talladega College, Sesealy brings over eight years of business expertise to her role. She oversees key operations, including client satisfaction, business growth, management, and financial planning.
Inspired by her family’s legacy in education—particularly her grandmother’s impactful teaching career—Sesealy found her passion in creating opportunities for young minds to thrive. In a bold move, she became the first Black owner of the Montessori school in over 30 years, seamlessly blending her love for education with her business acumen.
Sesealy’s entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there; she also owns several other businesses, showcasing her dedication to building generational impact and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. Guided by the belief that "if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough," she continues to make strides in both education and business.
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In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Sonia Lewis, the powerhouse behind The Student Loan Doctor. Dr. Sonia brings her expertise and passion to help us make sense of the ever-changing student loan landscape. We dive into everything from loan forgiveness programs to practical steps you can take today to reclaim your financial future. Sonia’s no-nonsense approach and her deep understanding of how student debt impacts Black women are both empowering and inspiring. Whether you’re overwhelmed by your loans or just need a nudge to take action, this conversation will give you the clarity and motivation to make real progress.
About our guest
Dr. Sonia Lewis is the CEO of The Student Loan Doctor LLC, founded in 2016 as the first African American and woman-owned student loan repayment company in the U.S. With over 14 years of experience in higher education and financial aid, she is considered the people's expert on student loan debt repayment. Her award-winning business has received two citations from the City of Philadelphia for its community impact, educating borrowers and assisting them in creating tangible repayment plans to promote social mobility and wealth building. An expert speaker for audiences of all ages, Dr. Lewis has shared her expertise across various media platforms, including appearances on CNN, RT America, Fox 29, and The BET Network; contributions to Essence Magazine, Money Magazine, Forbes, Black Enterprise, and SALON Magazine; participation in The White House Briefing on Advancing Equity for Women and Girls of Color; features on KYW News Radio 1060 AM; and speaking at Investfest (Earn Your Leisure). A three-time self-published author, she continues to influence and empower communities nationwide through her work.
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In today's episode, I had an amazing conversation with Dr. Jay Zigmont, a financial planner and author, all about being child free and what it means for your finances and life. Jay shared his thoughts on breaking away from societal norms, planning for a life you truly want, and simplifying money management to focus on what makes you happy. We also discussed his new book, which is full of tips to help you build a life and financial plan that fits your unique goals.
About our guest
Jay Zigmont, PhD, MBA, CFP® is the Founder and CEO of Childfree Wealth®, a life and financial planning firm dedicated to helping Childfree and Permanently Childless people. Childfree Wealth is the first firm dedicated to serving Childfree people.
Dr. Jay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Childfree Wealth Specialist, and author of the book “Portraits of Childfree Wealth” and the upcoming book “The Childfree Guide to Life and Money.” Dr Jay is the co-host of the Childfree Wealth podcast. His Ph.D. is in Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut.
He has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, MarketWatch, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC, and many other publications. In 2023, he was named a “Rising Star” by Financial Planning.
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Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here
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In today's episode, I’m chatting with Ryan Duitch, the CEO of Arro, a fintech company dedicated to creating fair credit solutions. Ryan shares how Arro helps people build credit responsibly with low limits and step-by-step guidance. We dive into the challenges of the traditional credit system, why financial literacy matters, and how Arro uses tech to teach and empower users to make smarter financial choices.
About our guest
Ryan Duitch is the Founder and CEO of Arro since May 2021. Prior to that, he was a Co-Founder at Field Day, a VC-Backed start-up, from May 2017 to May 2021.
Check Arro here
Download the Arro App-
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Check Intentional Style here: https://www.intentionalstylesuite.com/
Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.
Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start Here
Join the Financially Intentional Community
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Get my book Smart Money
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