Real Money, Real Experts

Hosted by AFCPE®

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Episodes

158

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Real Money, Real Experts is a personal finance podcast written and produced by AFCPE®. With an audience of financial professionals, we strive to educate and entertain with a combination of expert tips, engaging interviews, and real-life storytelling. AFCPE® ensures the highest integrity of the financial counseling profession by certifying, connecting, and supporting diverse professionals. Our comprehensive program, the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®), represent the gold standard of financial counseling certifications. And our membership community offers a place to share best practices, solve similar struggles, and access tools and resources that advance your career and enable you to better serve your clients.

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September 1, 2026Episode 15728 min

Creating Client-Centered Programs That Empower Communities | Holly Zugay

What does it take to make financial education truly meaningful and accessible? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , Holly Zugay, CFP, AFC, shares her journey from chemistry to financial education and the lessons she’s learned working with diverse communities, including low-income families, veterans, homeowners facing foreclosure, and individuals transitioning from incarceration. Holly discusses how shame, stigma, and lack of confidence can create barriers to financial well-being , and why financial professionals need to move beyond the “ivory tower” approach. She shares practical strategies for building trust, creating participant-centered financial education programs, using activities to make financial topics engaging, and measuring success through meaningful behavior change. Holly also breaks down her Building Your Financial House program, including why she takes a long-term approach to financial education, addresses topics beyond budgeting and credit, and helps participants build confidence in their financial decisions. Learn more about AFCPE® and AFC Certification . 🎧 Tune in to Real Money, Real Experts for practical insights on creating financial education programs that meet people where they are. Like, subscribe, and follow the show so you never miss a conversation with financial professionals making an impact in their communities. Show Notes: 00:00 – Meet Holly Zugray: From Chemistry to Financial Education 02:00 – From Financial Planning to Community-Based Financial Education 04:00 – Breaking Down the Shame and Stigma Around Money 06:00 – Making Financial Education Participant-Centered 08:30 – Building Trust Through Vulnerability and Shared Experiences 11:00 – Creating a Safe Space for Financial Conversations 13:00 – How Communication Can Create Barriers for Clients 15:00 – Building Your Financial House: A Holistic Approach to Financial Wellness 20:00 – Why Financial Education Should Go Beyond Budgeting and Credit 25:00 – Designing Engaging Financial Education Programs 28:00 – Measuring Success Through Behavior Change 31:00 – What Financial Professionals Can Learn From Their Communities 34:00 – Walking in Your Clients’ Shoes Through Simulations 36:00 – Holly’s Advice: Slow and Steady Wins the Race 37:00 – Final Takeaways & How to Connect With Holly Connect With Our Guest Visit her website to learn more: PA Housing Financial Agency Reach out directly via email: hzugay@phfa.org Connect on social media: Holly Zugay on Linkedin Resource mentioned: A Framework for Understanding Poverty (Ruby Payne, PhD.) Listen on Your Favorite Platform Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Real Money, Real Experts on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify: Real Money, Real Experts on Spotify Listen on Amazon Music: Real Money, Real Experts on Amazon Music Listen on Cast Box: Real Money, Real Experts on Castbox About the Real Money, Real Experts Podcast Brought to you by AFCPE®, this podcast supports, educates, and connects financial professionals with actionable insights to advance their careers and better serve their communities. #AFCPodcast #FinancialCounseling #FinancialTherapy #NeurodiversityInFinance #ADHDMoneyTips #InclusivePractice Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

August 18, 2026Episode 15632 min

Show Me Your Numbers, I'll Tell You Your Story with Simi Mandelbaum

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , we’re joined by Simi Mandelbaum, a certified financial therapist, accredited financial counselor, certified financial behavior specialist, and founder and CEO of Prosper Financial Wellness. Simi shares how combining financial counseling, behavioral finance, and financial therapy can help clients transform not only their finances, but their relationship with money. Together, we explore how neurodivergence and different learning styles can impact financial behaviors, why traditional financial advice doesn’t work for everyone, and how financial professionals can create more inclusive and engaging experiences for their clients. Simi also shares practical strategies—from visual and tactile tools to gamifying financial goals—that can help clients better understand their money and build lasting financial confidence. Plus, Simi shares her “three cents” of advice, including how to create intentional space between wanting and buying, why every “yes” is also a “no,” and the importance of practicing compassion with ourselves and our clients. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Simi Mandelbaum 02:25 The “Financial Stew” Approach to Financial Wellness 03:35 Neurodivergence and Money Management 04:44 Supporting Neurodivergent Clients 08:03 Making Financial Education Tactile & Experiential 10:30 Why One-Size-Fits-All Financial Advice Doesn’t Work 13:08 How Emotions & Past Experiences Shape Financial Decisions 15:15 Creating a More Inclusive Financial Practice 18:40 The Power of Visual Reminders 19:33 From Financial Overwhelm to Financial Confidence 21:01 Supporting Different Learning Styles in Financial Services 22:12 Simi’s 3 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Simi ADD is awesome by Penn Holderness Do you have Financial Anxiety quiz Qubemoney Amazon Fridge Thermometer Ally Bank Vertex Debt Reduction Calculator Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

August 4, 2026Episode 15530 min

More Personal Than Finance: Helping Veterans Build Financial Resilience with Dedrick Curtis

Financial challenges are rarely just about numbers—they're about life, transitions, and the support people need along the way. In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with AFC®, CFP® Dedrick Curtis to discuss the unique financial realities facing veterans, military families, and caregivers. As Program Manager for the Veterans Benefits Banking Program and founder of Penny Earned Financial, Dedrick shares how behavioral finance, financial counseling, and financial planning work together to help people navigate everything from financial crises to long-term wealth building. Together, they explore the difference between financial counseling and financial planning, why collaboration among financial professionals leads to better client outcomes, and how empathy, trust, and financial education can empower individuals through every stage of their financial journey. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 02:26 – What Is the Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)? 04:53 – The Biggest Financial Challenges Veterans Face Today 06:37 – Why Personal Finance Is More Personal Than Finance 08:25 – Financial Counseling vs. Financial Planning: What's the Difference? 11:50 – Financial Journeys Aren't Always Linear 12:18 – How Financial Counselors and Planners Can Better Collaborate 15:56 – Building Trust with Clients During Financial Stress 19:08 – Serving Veterans Through Specialized Financial Guidance 22:14 – How the Financial Industry Can Better Support Military Families 24:41 – Dedrick's Two Cents: Why More People Should Become Financial Counselors 26:24 – Where to Connect with Dedrick Curtis 27:59 – Key Takeaways: Meeting Clients Where They Are 30:31 – Closing Remarks Shownotes: Learn more about Veterans Banking! Military Financial Advisors Learn more about Penny Earned Financial! Connect with Dedrick! Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

July 21, 2026Episode 15428 min

The Power of Saying Yes: Building a Career in Financial Well-Being with Jarod Taylor

Career-defining opportunities often begin with a single "yes." In this episode, Jarod Taylor, AFC®, Director of Education and Community Engagement at AFCPE, reflects on his unexpected journey into the financial well-being profession, beginning during the 2008 housing crisis and evolving into a career dedicated to advancing financial education and supporting the next generation of Accredited Financial Counselors®. Jarod discusses the power of community within the profession, the evolving role of financial counselors in an AI-driven landscape, and why human-centered guidance remains essential to achieving lasting financial well-being. He also shares insights for those considering a career in financial counseling and offers a timely reminder that meaningful progress starts with taking the first step. Whether you're an aspiring financial counselor, an established practitioner, or simply passionate about expanding access to financial well-being, this conversation offers thoughtful insights on leadership, lifelong learning, and the impact of saying "yes" to new opportunities. Show Notes: 00:00 Meet Jarod Taylor, AFC® 02:34 Embracing a "Year of Yes" and trying new experiences 03:39 How the 2008 housing crisis launched Jarod's career 05:57 Personal finance lessons that shaped his professional journey 08:59 Eight years supporting AFC candidates and life-changing career stories 11:41 Stepping into the role of Director of Education & Community Engagement 14:45 AI, financial technology, and why human-centered counseling matters 18:53 The growing demand for financial counselors and career opportunities 19:46 Advice for those considering a career in financial counseling 21:10 What a bonsai class taught Jarod about personal finance 23:21 Jarod's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Jarod! We're celebrating one year of the AFC Learning System and the revamped Money Management Essentials with a special offer! Save 15% on either program with promo code ONEDERFUL15 Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

July 7, 2026Episode 15332 min

Do It Scared: Making Financial Guidance More Accessible for Everyone with Cynthia Hudson

What if the best financial advice starts by asking one simple question: Why? In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts, hosts Rachael DeLeon and Dr. Brandy Baxter sit down with newly accredited AFC® Cynthia Hudson . Cynthia shares how her unconventional journey—from manufacturing floors to financial counseling—shaped her belief that lasting financial change happens when we address root causes instead of surface-level symptoms. Cynthia explores how disability, trauma, and lived experiences influence financial decision-making, and why creating accessible financial guidance doesn't just benefit people with disabilities—it creates better outcomes for everyone. Through powerful personal stories, she discusses navigating public benefit systems, overcoming self-doubt, and learning that curiosity and compassion are just as important as financial expertise. Whether you're a financial professional, educator, or coach, you'll walk away with practical strategies for meeting clients where they are, asking better questions, and building more inclusive financial conversations. In this episode, you'll learn: Why accessibility benefits every client—not just those with disabilities How to uncover the root causes behind financial challenges The role trauma and lived experiences play in financial decision-making Common pitfalls when advising clients receiving public benefits How curiosity can strengthen trust and improve client outcomes Why Cynthia's personal motto is simple: Do it scared. Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome Cynthia Hudson, AFC® 02:00 From banking and manufacturing to financial counseling 05:00 Why solving the root cause matters more than treating financial symptoms 09:00 Disability, accessibility, and creating better financial outcomes 12:00 When good financial advice can unintentionally cause harm 13:00 Cynthia's personal experience navigating poverty and healthcare benefits 16:00 Practical ways financial professionals can make their services more accessible 19:00 Earning the AFC® without a traditional college path 22:00 Stepping outside your comfort zone and learning to "do it scared" 24:00 Bringing financial education into the workplace 27:00 Cynthia's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Cynthia on Linkedin! Read about "The Financial Health of People With Disabilities Key Obstacles and Opportunities" from NDI! Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

June 23, 2026Episode 15237 min

The Wealth Within: How Self-Worth Shapes Net Worth with Justin Chastain, AFC®️(Re-Run)

Editor's note: Real Money, Real Experts is on a mid-summer break. Please enjoy this episode re-run. We will be back with new episodes in July! 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 philosophy, explaining why wealth is about more than just numbers—it’s about how money influences your life and the lives of those you care about. He also breaks down why patience is essential in building financial security and how leaning into your uniqueness can set you apart in any industry. Whether you're a business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone looking to improve your financial mindset, this episode is filled with powerful insights on achieving financial freedom and peace of mind. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on redefining wealth, investing in yourself, and staying true to who you are. Show Notes: 01:24 Justin's journey into the financial planning space 04:38 The AFC is they key to lifelong learning 07:33 How creating buckets of value influence our financial decisions 14:21 Why leaning into your uniqueness is your superpower 22:22 The secret behind building wealth for a business 27:41 What to look for in mentors & coaches 32:24 Justin's 2 cents Show Note Links: Connect with Justin on Linkedin! Connect with Justin on Instagram! Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

June 9, 2026Episode 15126 min

Money Roots and Financial Wellness: Understanding the Stories Behind Our Financial Decisions with Jack Howard

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , hosts Rachael DeLeon and Brandy Baxter sit down with Jack Howard, Head of Money Wellness at Ally, to discuss the evolving landscape of financial wellness and the critical role that mindset, values, and personal experiences play in shaping financial behaviors. Drawing from both her personal and professional journey, Jack shares how her passion for financial education led her to develop innovative approaches that go beyond traditional financial literacy. The conversation explores the concept of "money roots"—the beliefs, experiences, and narratives that influence our financial decisions—as well as the impact of financial trauma, scarcity, and anxiety on long-term financial well-being. Listeners will gain insight into how understanding their money story, aligning financial decisions with personal values, and approaching money with greater self-awareness can lead to healthier financial habits and a more fulfilling relationship with money. The episode also examines how financial institutions and financial professionals are increasingly embracing a more human-centered approach to financial education and counseling. Show Notes: 02:27 Jack Howard's personal finance journey: From student debt to money wellness leadership 05:11 A day in the life of Ally's Head of Money Wellness 06:40 Why financial success is about more than financial skills 08:54 Overview of Ally's Money Roots program 10:56 Understanding money mindset, money stories, and personal values 12:33 How a trauma-informed approach changes financial conversations 14:14 Addressing shame, judgment, and fear around money 15:07 Common money mindset challenges: scarcity, anxiety, and avoidance 18:13 Breaking down barriers: How financial professionals can build trust 19:06 The power of vulnerability in financial education and counseling 20:22 The future of financial wellness and human-centered banking 21:51 Jack's 2 Cents Show Note Links: Connect with Jack on Instagram! Connect with Ally Bank on Instagram! Connect with Ally Bank on X! Connect with Ally Bank on Linkedin! Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

May 26, 2026Episode 15025 min

Advocacy Made Accessible: Using Your Voice for Financial Change with Lisa Whitley

In this episode of Real Money, Real Experts , hosts Dr. Brandy Baxter and Rachael DeLeon sit down with Lisa Whitley, accredited financial counselor, and founder of MoneyByLisa LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor domiciled in the District of Columbia. Lisa shares her unique journey as a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development into financial counseling and advocacy work. Together, they explore how financial professionals can use their firsthand client experiences to influence policy, support financial wellness initiatives, and create meaningful change at the local, state, and federal levels. From affordability challenges and utility assistance programs to consumer protection and community advocacy, this conversation breaks down how advocacy doesn’t have to feel overwhelming — and why even one small step can make a lasting impact. Whether you’re passionate about policy or simply looking for ways to better support your clients, this episode is a reminder that your voice matters. Show Notes: 00:00 – Welcome back to Real Money, Real Experts 00:38 – Introducing guest Lisa Kirchenbauer 01:57 – Lisa’s journey into government relations and advocacy 03:15 – From Wall Street and United States Agency for International Development to financial counseling 04:40 – Why Lisa started her own firm, Money by Lisa 05:49 – What advocacy looks like in financial wellness 06:53 – Why advocacy can feel overwhelming — and how to simplify it 08:28 – Starting local: state and community-level advocacy 08:48 – The Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education Advocacy Toolkit and practical resources 10:46 – Learning from other states and sharing solutions 11:35 – Why AFCs are subject matter experts in financial wellness 13:44 – Key policy issues impacting clients right now 16:08 – Practical first steps for getting involved in advocacy 17:48 – A real-world example of community advocacy creating policy change 19:49 – Lisa’s 2 Cents 20:59 – How the Government Relations Task Force supports the AFCPE community Show Note Links: Check out our Government Relations Advocacy Toolkit! Follow MoneyByLisa on Facebook! Connect with Lisa on Linkedin! Learn more about MoneyByLisa! Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

May 12, 2026Episode 14937 min

Beyond the Numbers: The Emotional Side of Financial Planning with Dr. Sonya Lutter

In today's episode, Rachael and Brandy sit down with Dr. Sonya Lutter to explore the powerful connection between psychology, relationships, and financial decision-making. From financial stress and emotional spending to couples’ communication and the growing field of financial therapy, this conversation dives into the human side of money. Dr. Lutter shares how stress impacts our ability to make financial decisions, why money arguments carry so much emotional weight in relationships, and how financial professionals can better support clients through observation, communication, and empathy. The discussion also explores the differences between financial psychology, financial counseling, and financial therapy — and why understanding those distinctions matters in practice. Whether you’re a financial professional or simply curious about the emotional side of money, this episode offers valuable insights into how our thoughts, behaviors, and relationships shape financial wellness. Show Notes: 00:31 Meet Dr. Sonya Lutter 02:05 How Dr. Lutter Combined Psychology & Financial Planning 04:57 Financial Psychology vs. Financial Therapy Explained 10:30 Where Financial Professionals Draw the Line with Clients 11:12 The Importance of Family Systems & Financial Conversations 12:08 Katrina’s Story: Grief, Money & Emotional Decision-Making 16:18 How Financial Stress Impacts Decision-Making 17:14 Fight-or-Flight Responses During Money Conversations 19:28 Why Stressed Clients Struggle to Retain Financial Information 20:43 How Financial Professionals Can Better Support Stressed Clients 23:29 Why Money Carries Emotional Weight in Relationships 24:15 Why Couples Argue About Money More Than Anything Else 26:21 The Importance of Financial Communication in Marriage 27:52 Research on Joint Bank Accounts & Relationship Satisfaction 30:23 Cohabitation, Shared Finances & Wealth Building 31:44 Dr. Lutter’s “Two Cents” Advice for Couples & Financial Planning 34:02 Where to Connect with Dr. Sonya Lutter 34:12 Key Takeaways from the Conversation 36:45 Closing Thoughts & Outro Show Note Links: Become an ASFP Discover financial therapy certificate programs at Texas Tech Meet Dr. Sonya Lutter Connect with Dr. Sonya Lutter Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.

April 28, 2026Episode 14835 min

Wearing the Investor Hat: Breaking the Biggest Money Myth with Jessica Perrone

In this episode, we welcome Jessica Perrone, Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) and founder of HerFinIQ, to discuss how financial professionals can help clients confidently navigate the world of investing. With over 16 years of experience on Wall Street, Jessica shares her unconventional journey into finance and how it shaped her mission to make investing more accessible—particularly for women and underserved communities. She emphasizes the importance of education over advice, and how simplifying complex financial concepts can empower clients to take action. Jessica introduces practical frameworks, including her “financial ducks” approach—ensuring budgeting, saving, emergency funds, credit, and debt management are addressed before investing—and her “cereal box” analogy to help clients better understand investment accounts and assets. Throughout the conversation, we explore: Common misconceptions about investing, including the belief that you need significant capital to get started The importance of helping clients develop an “investor identity” How AFC® professionals can provide investment education without crossing into advice Strategies for explaining risk and investment options in an approachable way The role of confidence and behavior in financial decision-making Jessica also highlights the growing need for accessible, accurate financial education in a landscape where misinformation is common. This episode reinforces the critical role AFC® professionals play in bridging knowledge gaps, building client confidence, and supporting informed financial decision-making. Show Notes: 01:10 Meet Jessica Perrone & HerFinIQ 03:40 Key money lessons: frugality, budgeting, resourcefulness & compassion 04:00 Breaking into Wall Street without a finance background 07:00 Why Jessica created HerFinIQ 10:30 Identity as an investor & why it matters 14:30 Why financial basics must come before investing (“financial ducks”) 16:15 Common misconceptions about investing 18:30 Barriers to entry & access to financial advisors 23:30 Building client confidence & asking the right questions 24:20 The role of confidence in financial decision-making 27:30 Understanding risk: stocks, ETFs & diversification 29:45 Jessica’s 2 Cents Show Note Links: https://www.herfiniq.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicak/ https://www.facebook.com/HerFinIQ/ https://www.instagram.com/herfiniq https://www.youtube.com/@herfiniq Want to get involved with AFCPE®? Here are a few places to start: Become a Member, Sign up for an Essentials Course , or Get AFC Certified today! Want to support the podcast? We love partnering with organizations that share our mission and values. Download our media kit.