Build a Better Financial Future

Uziel is a first-generation college graduate. He was born and raised in San Fernando, California, where his parents migrated after leaving their native country, Mexico. Uziel's dad is a construction worker, and his mom is a homemaker. Growing up in a low-income household, Uziel explored careers where he could serve as a resource to empower his family and community. Uziel graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a bachelor's degree in Financial Planning. He's currently completing a Financial Planning Residency at a fee-only RIA firm. Uziel is passionate about helping people navigate their financial journeys to help them reach their goals. Uziel also volunteers in the BLX internship program to promote diversity and inclusion. The BLX internship program helps place aspiring Black and Latinx financial planners with meaningful internships in fee-only RIA firms. Notes: In this episode Luis and Uziel discuss: How Uziel is working to have a direct impact on his community Pursuing your passion and creating your own opportunities Building wealth through educating the Latino community on the importance of finances Uziel's advice for those who want to become a Financial Planner Resources: Uziel's LinkedIn Uziel's Twitter Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

In this special Hispanic Heritage Month Edition episode, Luis speaks with Joelle L. Martinez. Joelle is the president and CEO of the Latin Leadership Institute. Joelle is a nationally recognized executive, strategist, speaker and facilitator. A visionary leader, Joelle has dedicated her life to helping cross-sector leaders realize their individual potential as well as the economic and social opportunities present by an increasingly diverse U.S. populace. Prior to the Latino Leadership Institute, Joelle spent more than 15 years building winning communications, business development, and public affairs strategies in both private and public sectors. Joelle is a subject matter expert in neuroleadership, Latino identity, civic engagement, workplace diversity and inclusion, and demographic shifts. In 2017, Joelle was named one of the most powerful women by the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce. In 2019, she was honored by the NFL Hispanic Heritage Foundation and Nationwide for her outstanding contributions to the Latino community. She currently serves on the Hispanic Advisory Council for Coca-Cola and has served on boards, advisory councils, and executive committees for Mile High United Way, Building Better Colorado, Museum of Nature and Science, Denver7 Colorado, Prosper Colorado. Joelle is a member of the NeuroLeadership Institute and is a certified practitioner of both Insights Discovery® and i4®. Notes: In this episode, Luis and Joelle talk about the following and more: Training Latinos for leadership Getting Latinos to own their superpower! Don't discount your power. Breaking through barriers in management and leadership positions Navigating imposter syndrome Understanding your worth and knowing your value Resources: Latino Leadership Institute LinkedIn Latin0 Leadership Institute Twitter Latin0 Leadership Institute Website Latino Leadership Institute Facebook Latino Leadership Institute Instagram Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

In this special Hispanic Heritage Month Edition episode, Luis speaks with Valerie Rivera. Valerie is the founder of FirstGen Wealth, a financial planning practice serving early to mid-career first-generation wealth builders across the country. She is passionate about normalizing quality financial advice and educating people on becoming financial powerhouses! Valerie Rivera is a proud Latina and first-gen Mexican-American. She was born and raised in the Southside of Chicago. She continues to live there today, with her husband and their three-year-old daughter, Violet Esperanza. Valerie has spent over 10 years in financial services, working directly with individuals and families on all aspects where money touches life. She is part of just over 1% of Latinas who hold the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Notes: In this episode, Luis and Valerie talk about the following and more: Perspective is everything! How Valerie discovered her love for wealth management and financial planning Promoting advocacy within the Latino community The lack of diversity in financial planning firms Building a practice that fits your life/work balance Resources: Valeries' LinkedIn Valeries' Twitter Valeries' Youtube Valeries' Website Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

Bank of America recently announced a new no money down mortgage program for first-time home buyers, called the Community Affordable Loan Solution™. Tune in to learn about this new program, and to hear my thoughts on no money down mortgage loans. Notes: In this episode, Luis speaks about the following and more: Bank of America's Community Affordable Loan Solution™ What private mortgage insurance is and how it can increase your mortgage payment What debt-to-income-ratio is and how it's used to determine if you qualify for the loan How you can qualify for a home you cannot afford Sources: https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2022/08/bank-of-america-introduces-community-affordable-loan-solution--t.html Resources: Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

The Department of Education recently announced a new plan which will provide for additional deferment of payments on federal student loan debt, as well as loan forgiveness for millions of borrowers. Tune in to learn the qualification criteria and see if you're eligible. Notes: In this episode, Luis speaks about the following and more: Extension of the student loan repayment pause Income guidelines for student loan forgiveness eligibility Changes to the income-driven repayment plan How to access information on the new changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program Sources: https://studentaid.gov/debt-relief-announcement/ Resources: Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! U.S. Department of Education Subscriptions Page Public Service Loan Forgiveness Information Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

The Inflation Reduction Act was recently signed into law and allocated $79 billion dollars for the IRS. The IRS is said to hire 87,000 full-time employees, which has caused some concern from some regarding the likelihood of IRS audits increasing. Tune in to learn why the IRS needs this kind of funding, and the things the new budget will be allocated towards. Notes: In this episode, Luis speaks about the following and more: IRS budget and employees for the past 10 years IRS delays in processing tax returns IRS delays in answering calls Who is more likely to get audited in the future Sources: https://money.com/irs-funding-higher-taxes-more-audits/ https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-statement-by-irs-commissioner-chuck-rettig-on-the-inflation-reduction-act Resources: Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Taxpayer Advocate Service – IRS' Most Serious Problems Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Americans are struggling with over $88 Billion dollars in medical debt. Tune in to learn how new medical debt reporting changes will impact your credit scores. Notes: In this episode, Luis speaks about the following and more: New changes to medical debt collection reporting on credit reports Understanding your explanation of benefits Tips to navigate medical debt How to plan ahead in order to maximize your health insurance benefits and minimize medical debt Resources: Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! AnnualCreditReport.com Medical Debt Burden in the U.S. Report by CFPB Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

Childcare is one of the biggest expenses for some families. Tune in to learn how to take advantage of the pre-tax benefits of a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account. Notes: In this episode, Luis speaks about the following and more: What is a Dependent Care FSA? Eligible Expenses Dollar limitations Coupling Dependent Care FSAs with other pre-tax benefits to maximize your tax savings Resources: Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

Life insurance is an important aspect of your overall financial plan. With so many options available, how do you know which one is best? Tune in to learn about the two most common types of life insurance and which one is best for your circumstances. Notes: In this episode, Luis speaks about the following and more: When you need life insurance Term Life vs. Whole Life A Little-Known Type of Term Insurance Buying Term and Investing the Difference Resources: Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Luis' LinkedIn Luis' Twitter Luis' IG On My Way To Wealth YouTube channel

Jose is from the small town of Glorieta, New Mexico. Although poor monetarily, he was raised in an environment that was wealthy in traditions, family, and community. His parents were both educators and community leaders, and inspired Jose throughout his life. He learned the value of a hard-earned dollar and the effort and sacrifices to keep it. Jose is a military veteran, the founder of his own fee only flat fee financial planning and investment management firm working in and beyond Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico. He's also the creator of the Bad Ass Retirement podcast. Most importantly, he is a family man, married to the love of his life Jasmin, and has 3 beautiful children. Notes: In this episode, Jose & Luis talk about the following and more: Retirement is a phase, not an event Why most financial plans are wrong and the importance of ongoing planning Using values based financial planning to achieve your goals in retirement Creating good habits to help transition into retirement and beyond Resources: Download the 3 Fundamental "Money Moves" to Make Before Turning 45 LatinXcellence, more than a brand, it's a movement! Jose's Website Jose's Books on Amazon Jose's LinkedIn Jose's Instagram Jose's Facebook Jose's Twitter