Financially Intentional

Hosted by Naseema McElroy

Careers Education Kids Family

Website RSS feed

Episodes

399

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the FInancially Intentional Podcast with Naseema McElroy! This is a weekly podcast covering all things personal finance for those ready to build wealth but who may not know where to start. 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. Let us be the folks you choose to surround yourself with.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 13, 2026Episode 18149 min

How to Protect Yourself from Scams and Rip-offs - Episode 181 (Classic Episode)

Send us Fan MailJoin me in today's classic episode as I talk with R Persichitte, a money expert who helps people avoid scams. We chat about what fraud is, how it is different from rip-offs, and ways you can keep your money safe. R shares real stories about people who lost their savings and gives easy tips to protect yourself. Listen in to learn how to keep your money where it belongs.About our guest:R Persichitte, CPA, CFP®, CFA, CFE, guides business leaders and individuals through tax, investment, and financial planning decisions. An accountant at heart and an award-winning analyst, R is known for using data to make sound decisions and help clients avoid costly mistakes, scams, and other financial pitfalls. He served as an auditor for over ten years, working in tax, fraud, and asset recovery, and now works as an auditor on your side.Delagify Financial is a fee-for-service financial planning firm dedicated to helping people keep their money. The company helps individuals and small businesses avoid rip-offs, mistakes, and unnecessary taxes through tax strategy, accounting, and comprehensive financial planning services.https://secondlook.delagify.com/https://delagify.comEditor’s note: This classic episode originally aired in 2024. The fraud-prevention advice still applies, and the topic is even more urgent today as reported online fraud and investment-scam losses continue to rise. Since the original recording, some figures and rules have changed, including the 2026 federal estate-tax filing threshold, and some recovery/payment-app rules may vary by situation. If you believe you’ve been targeted by an online, crypto, or impersonation scam, stop sending money, document everything, and report it to the FBI’s IC3 and the FTC.Support the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

June 6, 2026Episode 18043 min

She Paid Off Six Figures of Debt and Built a Seven Figure Portfolio - Episode 180

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is such a full circle moment. I’m talking with Odunayo Ajayi, a Nigerian immigrant, mom, wife, Microsoft Technical Program Manager, author, and personal finance educator who went from student loan debt to building real wealth. We talk about paying off debt, getting on the same page with your partner, building an emergency fund, investing for your kids, and why money should not be a secret in our homes. Odunayo’s story is proof that you can start where you are, learn what you need, and build a life with more peace, purpose, and freedom.About our guest:Odunayo Ajayi is a personal finance educator, author, and founder of Odunayo Ajayi LLC, a financial education and coaching company helping individuals, couples, immigrants, women, and families build wealth with wisdom, purpose, and intentionality. She is also a Technical Program Manager at Microsoft with over 12 years of experience across technology, financial services, consulting, nonprofit, and consumer goods, including work with JP Morgan Chase, Barclays, KPMG, The Hershey Company, and Google. Originally from Akure, Nigeria, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Bowen University and a Master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Syracuse University.After taking on six figures in student loan debt, Odunayo transformed her financial life by paying off her loans, building a fully funded emergency fund, purchasing a home without new debt, and growing her investment portfolio to seven figures within five years. She is the author of The Joy of Financial Freedom: Building Wealth with Wisdom and Purpose, now available on Amazon, and the founder of The Joy Circle, a private community offering courses, coaching, and accountability. A devoted Christian and active member of RCCG Desire of Nations in New York, Odunayo now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two sons.📖 Book (Pre-Order): The Joy of Financial Freedom: Building Wealth with Wisdom and Purpose: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2YV3SB🌐 Website: https://odunayoajayi.com/📸 Instagram: @odunayooajayi💛 The Joy Circle Community (Skool): https://www.skool.com/the-joy-circle-2986/aboutSupport the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

May 30, 2026Episode 17951 min

What Every Homebuyer Needs to Know Before Getting A Mortgage - Episode 179 (Classic Episode)

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I sit down with Jennifer Beeston, a top mortgage expert, to talk about what you need to know before getting a home loan. We discuss why it’s so important to shop around for rates, how to avoid being ripped off by lenders, and the hidden costs that come with buying a home. Jennifer shares practical tips on how to make the best financial decisions, whether you're buying your first home or are a seasoned investor.About our guest:Jennifer Beeston is a nationally recognized mortgage and real estate expert, known for her dedication to financial literacy, consumer advocacy, and making the homebuying process less stressful. As a top VA loan expert, top 1% mortgage lender, and EVP of National Sales at Rate, she provides clear, practical advice on home financing for first-time buyers, repeat buyers, veterans, and seasoned investors alike. With nearly two decades of experience, Jennifer has been featured in major media outlets like US News, Business Insider, Time, and NBC News, and shares her insights through her popular YouTube channel, homebuying courses, and mortgage education resources. She is also the author of Brainhacked: How Big Tech Trains Your Brain to Spend—and How You Can Fight Back, furthering her mission to help people make smarter financial decisions. Jennifer is a passionate advocate for transparency and financial education, empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures with confidence.Brainhacked by Jennifer Beeston - https://www.jenniferbeeston.com/brainhackedSocial Links of Jennifer Beeston - https://linktr.ee/JenniferBeeston---This is a classic episode originally released in Q4 2024. The mortgage market has shifted since then, but the core advice still applies: shop lenders, compare Loan Estimates, understand your full monthly payment, and don’t let anyone pressure you into a home or loan you don’t understand. Some market examples were current at the time of recording, so always check today’s rates, fees, insurance costs, and tax rules for your own situation.Support the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

May 23, 2026Episode 17830 min

You Might Be Grocery Shopping At The Wrong Store - Episode 178

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I talk with Andy Ellwood, the founder of Stretch Groceries, an app that helps you compare prices at stores near you before you shop. Groceries are taking up more and more of our money, and I know so many of us are tired of guessing how much things will cost when we get to the store. Andy shares how becoming a dad helped him see just how wild grocery prices can be, why families need more help saving money, and how AI can make grocery shopping easier. We also talk about building businesses, learning from failure, and why every dollar you save on food can help you build a better financial future.About our guest:Andy Ellwood is the founder of Stretch, a new AI platform reimagining how families navigate the grocery aisle. A serial entrepreneur behind companies acquired by Facebook and Google, Andy has built everything from global learning communities to purpose-driven tech startups. His philosophy—Make Room For Many—guides his work as he uses technology to create more access, clarity, and opportunity for everyday consumers.Stretch Groceries website: https://stretchgroceries.com/Support the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

May 16, 2026Episode 17743 min

How to Retire by 30 - Episode 177

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is such a treat because I’m sitting down with my friend Cody Berman, who became financially independent in his 20s and just released his book Retire by 30. Cody shares how he left corporate America, built side hustles, kept his expenses low, invested the gap, and created a life where work is now a choice. We talk about FIRE, digital products, real estate, house hacking, lifestyle creep, money with your partner, and why you do not have to do everything at once to change your life.About our guest:Cody Berman is an entrepreneur, real estate investor, personal finance educator, and author of Retire by 30. He reached financial independence at 25 through online business, strategic investing, and intentional living, and now helps others achieve freedom on their own terms. He’s the creator of an award-winning personal finance podcast and has built multiple seven-figure businesses.https://codydberman.com/kithttps://retireby30book.comSocials: @codydbermanDigital Products Course: https://naseema--gold-city-ventures.thrivecart.com/etsy-printables/Support the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

May 9, 2026Episode 17649 min

Retired Early by Ditching Traditional Financial Advice - Episode 176 (Classic Episode)

Send us Fan MailIn this classic episode, I had a conversation with Chris Miles, who went from being a traditional financial advisor to retiring in his twenties by creating passive income streams. Chris shares his incredible story of discovering that the old-school methods of saving and investing weren’t enough for the kind of freedom he wanted. He walks us through the ups and downs of his financial journey, how he bounced back after losing it all, and what he did to rebuild through real estate, cash flow strategies, and other income-producing investments.About our guest:Chris Miles, the Cash Flow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor, is a leading authority teaching entrepreneurs and professionals how to get their money working for them today. Chris has used his knowledge, not once, but twice, to become financially independent where his passive income exceeded his expenses, not to mention paid off his $1 Million in debt after the last recession without filing bankruptcy. He’s an author and host of the Money Ripples Podcast, and has been featured in US News, CNN Money, Entrepreneurs on Fire, BiggerPockets, and Bankrate.com. He has a proven reputation with his company, Money Ripples, getting his clients fast financial results. In fact, his personal clients have increased their cash flow by over $300 Million in the last 15 years. Money Ripples - https://moneyripples.com/Support the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

May 2, 2026Episode 17551 min

How She Turned 400 Dollars Into a 30 Million Dollar Insurance Empire - Episode 175

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode of Financially Intentional, I sit down with Cimone Casson, a powerful entrepreneur who built a multimillion dollar insurance and tech company starting with just $400. Cimone shares how she went from a nontraditional path to creating real wealth, owning the room, and helping athletes, business owners, and high earners protect their money before things go wrong. We talk about NIL deals, athlete insurance, AI, contracts, building a business without a college degree, and why chasing the wrong bag can cost you the real money.About our guest:Cimone Casson is the Founder and CEO of Cannas Capital, a global insurtech agency specializing in protecting high-growth and emerging industries like cannabis, craft beverage, and professional athletes. She is also the creator of EquiRate AI, a patent-pending underwriting platform helping expand access to responsible capital through standardized inclusive lending frameworks.Known for her street-to-boardroom perspective, Cimone works at the intersection of insurance, capital access, and economic empowerment, helping entrepreneurs move from visibility to ownership and build real wealth in the new economy.Support the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

April 25, 2026Episode 17447 min

Unlocking Investment Opportunities You Didn't Know Existed - Episode 174 (Classic Episode)

Send us Fan MailIn today's classic episode, I sit down with Kelly Ann Winget, an incredible expert in the world of private equity, to talk about how she broke into a male-dominated field and built her own path to wealth. Kelly shares the lessons she learned from her parents about money, how to build generational wealth, and why it’s so important to include women in investment conversations. We also discuss practical tips for making smart financial decisions, teaching your kids about money, and the importance of finding the right people to help manage your wealth.About our guest:Kelly Ann Winget is an accomplished alternative investments expert and founder of Alternative Wealth Partners (AWP), the first private equity firm founded by a millennial, openly LGBTQ+ woman. She has raised nearly $1 billion in capital across startups, energy, manufacturing, real estate, and emerging markets, including Opportunity Zone Funds. A recognized trailblazer, Kelly Ann has been featured in major media outlets like The New York Times and Forbes. She is the author of Pitch the Bitch: Grab Your Financial Future by the Bags and a sought-after speaker at events like the Women’s Venture Summit. Kelly Ann also partners with the WOMO Foundation and Diversity Crew to build a more inclusive tomorrow. Passionate about philanthropy, she supports causes like Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer. In her downtime, Kelly Ann enjoys traveling with her wife, spending time with family, and cuddling her three big dogs.Alternative Wealth PartnersPitch the Bitch: Grab Your Financial Future by the BagsSome updates since the episode release:This conversation originally aired in Q4 2024. For 2026, the standard employee 401(k) contribution limit is $24,500, with higher catch-up limits for older workers. Tax strategies involving oil and gas, private equity, trusts, or alternative investments are complex and may not apply to everyone, so please consult a qualified tax, legal, or financial professional before making decisions.Support the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

April 18, 2026Episode 17343 min

Teaching Kids Financial Literacy Early - Episode 173 (Classic Episode)

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I sat down with David Delisle, creator of The Golden Quest, a graphic novel that helps kids learn about money in a simple and meaningful way. David shares how he started investing at age 11, how that shaped his view of money, and why financial literacy matters for both kids and adults. We talk about making smart money decisions, building healthy money habits, and why it’s never too late to start learning how to use money more intentionally.About our guest:David Delisle is the founder of The Awesome Stuff™, a TEDx speaker, TV personality, bestselling author, and most importantly, Dad. He began investing at age 11 and created The Awesome Stuff™ to help families rewrite the way they talk about money. His book, The Golden Quest, is a graphic novel that makes financial literacy fun, meaningful, and memorable, helping kids and parents focus less on always chasing more and more on what truly matters. Through his work, David is on a mission to help families build a healthier relationship with money and create more freedom for their own Awesome Stuff™. He has been seen on TEDx, CTV, Fox, Global, and The Social.The Awesome Stuff WebsiteThe Awesome Stuff in InstagramThe Golden Quest: Your Journey to a Rich Life in AmazonSupport the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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

April 11, 2026Episode 17233 min

The Cost of Independence No One Talks About - Episode 172

Send us Fan MailIn today's episode, I sit down with Jack Howard from Ally to talk about the real cost of being single and why so many people still feel stress and shame around money. We talk about Ally’s study on singledom, why many women are choosing peace and freedom even when money feels harder on one income, and why being single does not mean you should avoid working on your finances. We also get into how money stories, fear, and past experiences can shape the way we spend, save, and talk about money in relationships. Jack shares how Ally’s free Money Roots program helps people understand their habits, values, and emotions around money so they can start making better choices without shame.About our guest:Jack Howard is the Head of Money Wellness at Ally, where she leads program strategy and execution for Money Roots, a free financial wellness program that helps people uncover how their money mindset impacts their spending, saving and investing decisions. Recognized as a change-maker and advocate for financial social inclusion, Jack has been featured in prominent media outlets such as CNBC, Yahoo Finance, Essence Magazine, Forbes and USA Today. Most recently she served as a Money Wellness coach on Side Hustlers, a reality series on the Roku Channel.Jack earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Communications Management from Syracuse University. She has a Financial Health and Wellness Graduate Certificate from Texas Tech University and holds a designation as an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC). Jack serves on the national board of directors for the American Bankers Association Foundation, Society for Financial Education and Professional Development and the Boys and Girls Club of SE Michigan.Learn more about Ally hereLearn more about Ally Money Roots hereThe Cost of Singledom: New Ally Bank Survey Reveals Singles Embracing Financial IndependenceSupport the show---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.Please join me here, and follow me on social media, Instagram, and Facebook.Need help getting started on your path to financial freedom? Start HereJoin 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